Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1887-06-04

THE K. OF [.
PLATFORM AND DECLARATION OF
THE PRINCIPLES OF THE ORDER.


PLATFORM AND DECLARATION OF
THE PRINCIPLES OF THE ORDER.
The alarming development and
aggressiveness of great capitalists
and corporations, unless checked,
win inevitably lead to the pauperi-
cation and hopeless degradation OF
the toiling masses.
It is imperative, if we desire to
enjoy the full blessings Of life. that q
check be placed upon unjust accumu-
lation, and the power for evil OF
aggregated wealth. @
This much desired object can be
accomplished only by the united
efforts of those who obey the divine
injunction, "In the sweet of thy
face shalt thou eat bread"
Therefore, we have formed the or.
der of Knights of Labor, for the
purpose of organizing and directing
the power of the industrial masses,
not as political party, for it is
more-in it are crystallized senti-
ments and measures for the whole
people, but it should be borne in
mind, when exercising the right of
suffrage, that most of the objects
herein set forth can only be obtained
through legislation, and that it is
the duty of all to assist in voting
and supporting with their votes
only such candidates as will pledge
their support to those measures,
regardless of party. But no one
shall, however, be compelled to vote
with the majority, and calling upon
all who believed in securing "the
greatest good to the grertest mum
ber,n to join and assist us, we de.
clare to the world that our aims
are:
To make industrial and moral
worth, not wealth, the true standard
of individual and national greatness,
To secure to the workers the full
enjoyment of the wealth they create
sufficient leisure in which TO de-
velop their intellectual, moral and
social faculties; all Of the benefits,
recreation and pleasures of associa
ton; in word, to enable them to
share in the gains and honors OF
advancing civilization.
In order to secure these results
we demand at the hands of the
State:
The establishment of bureaus Of
labor statistics, that we may arrive
at a correct knowledge of the edu.
cational, moral and financial con
dition of the laboring masses.
That the public lands, the heritage
of the people, be reserved for actual
settlers not another acre for rail
roads or SPECTATORS, and that all
lands now held for speculative pur
poses be taxed to their full value.
The abrogation of all laws that do
not bear equally upon capital and
labor, and the removal OF unjust
technicalities, delays and discrimin.
atIons in the administration OF
Justice.
The adoption of measures provid
ing for the health and safety oil
those engaged in mining, manufac
turing and building industries, and
for the indemnification of those en-
gagged therein for injuries received
for lack of necessary safeguards.
/ The recognition of incorporation
of trades unions and orders, and
such other associations as may be
organized by the working masses to
improve their condition, and protect
their rights.
The enactment of laws to compel
corporations to pay their employees
weekly, in lawful money, for the
labor of the preceding week, and
giving mechanics and labOrers a
first lien upon the product of theil
labor to the extent of their full
wages. ..
The abolition of the contract sys.
tenn on national, state and municipal
works. - !i@ s.s ,t
The enactment of laws providing
for arbitration between employer
and employed, and to enforce the
decision of the arbitrator.
The prohibition by law of the EN-
ployment of children under 10 years
of age in work shops. mines and
factories. .
To prohibit the hiring out OF con
Wet labor. RI ~
That gradual income tax be
levied. 1895
And we demand at the hands OF
Congress:
The establishment Of national
monetary system, in which a circula,
ting medium In necessary quantity
shall issue direct to the people, with.
out the intervention of banks; that
all the national issue shall be full
legal tender in payment of all debts,
public and private; and that the
government shall not guarantee OF
recognize any private banks, OF
create any banking corporations.
That interest bearing bonds, bills
of credit or notes shall never be
issued by the governments, but that
when needs arise, the emergency
shall be met by the issue of legal
tender, non.lnterest bearing money.
That the importation OF foreign
labor under contract be prohibited.
That, in connection with the post